My allergies have been incredible this year, and by that I mean that they have been worse than they have ever been. (Please, please, please do not suggest medical advice here. Much appreciated.) I see an allergy specialist who gives me 2 shots, 2-3 times a week to help with my symptoms. They have helped a lot; however, Juniper Ash (Cedar Fever!) here in Austin is 6 times worse than average this year, and boy oh boy, do I feel it. She suggested that I wear a face mask when I go outside to help reduce the amount of pollen that is going into my lungs and sinuses. After going to a few different stores to purchase some, I found that many other Austinites had already bought them out. No worries, right? I know how to sew. I will just make one. When I finished, I had many requests for a tutorial, so here you go:
Materials needed:
- 1 piece of fabric measuring 8” x 14”. Until you get familiar with this tutorial, I would suggest a non-directional print. One that has a scattered image printed on the surface such as the one shown.
- 2 strips of fabric measuring 1.75” (1 3/4”) x 6”. This will be the accent edge piece. It can be the same fabric as the main piece or a small-scale print or solid.
- Two pieces of 1/4” width elastic. These will be about 6 1/2” long.
- Ruler
- Fabric marking tool.
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine, threaded.
Fold the main piece of fabric in half, right sides together. Sew along the 8 inch width edge, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Turn this tube shape inside out, so that the right side of the fabric is now on the outside. Press this flat, keeping the seam to one end of the flattened tube.
Place the tube of fabric so that the raw edges are on each side and the seam edge is at the bottom. Using a ruler, measure and mark a line 1 1/2 inches from the bottom edge. Make another line 1 inch above this line, or 2 1/2 inches from the seam edge. Don’t use a pencil as you see in the picture, use a fabric pen, or fabric chalk. I used a pencil for illustration purposes.
Fold the seam edge up (or down in this picture, as I turned it upside down…sorry) making the crease on the first line that you just marked. You should have 1 1/2 inch edge here.
Flip the tube piece over. Match the crease edge to the second line that you made earlier. Press. The pleat that you just created will be 1/2 inch deep. Pin the pleat down on each raw edge end.
Now you will mark the lines for the second pleat. Mark a line measuring 1/2” from the top crease of the last pleat, (or 2″ from the bottom seam edge). It was difficult to see the top of the crease in this picture, so look at the finger indicator above.
Now mark another line one inch above the last line that you made (or 3 inches above the seam edge). Using these lines as your guide, repeat the steps that you followed to make the first pleat.
You should now have two pleats, each one being 1/2 inch deep. Repeat the steps you used to make the second pleat, so that you end up with three pleats total. Press.
This is what your main piece should look like at this point.
Using a 1/8” seam allowance, baste stitch the raw edges.
Repeat this step so that both raw edges are basted as shown in the picture above.
Pin one elastic piece to the raw edge, making sure not to twist it before baste stitching it to the edge at both ends. I placed mine 1/8” from the top and bottom edge of the main pleated piece. Baste elastic in place 1/8” inch from raw edge. Repeat, to attach remaining elastic piece to the other raw edge.
Your pleated piece should now resemble the picture above.
Fold each accent strip of fabric lengthwise in half, matching raw edges, as shown in the picture above. Press.
Place the strip on top of the elastic. Make sure the raw edge is facing outward, and the creased edge is facing the main body of the pleated piece. It will be a little longer on the top and bottom and that is okay, as we are going to fold some of that to the back.
Tuck about 1/2” of the top edge to the back as shown in the picture above.
Pin all layers in place.
Trim the other end of the accent strip, so that it is about 1/2” longer than the bottom edge of the main pleated piece.
Fold the bottom edge of the accent fabric strip to the back, just as you did with the top edge.
Pin both ends in place.
Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch the length of the entire edge, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.
Open the the accent fabric strip seam by flipping it outward away from the main pleated piece, then press.
This is what the mask should look like if you flip it over.
fold the ENTIRE accent piece down toward the main pleated piece, encasing the raw seam. You will now see the accent piece on this side, but not at all on the flip side. Press. Pin edge down.
If you are a good sewist, you will change out your presser foot to a straight stitch foot. If you are lazy, like me, you will keep that 1/4″ presser foot on your machine and struggle your way through this next step. 😀 Stitch this accent strip down to the main body of the mask, sewing along the edge, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.
This step isn’t necessary. It just gives it a nice finished look, and helps to give that elastic a little extra stability. Stitch down the edge of the mask close to the elastic side.
The front of your mask should now resemble the above picture.
The back of your mask should look like this. Following the previous steps, attach the remaining accent fabric piece to the other end of the mask.
You should now have a reusable, washable mask that measures approximately 4″ x 7″ (unopened).
It took a few hours to put this free tutorial together for you. For this reason, I am greatly appreciative for any mentions that you can give me if you should use this tutorial. If you post a picture on social media, you can use the hashtag: #buttoncountermask. Feel free to share this page, and please tag me in your pictures so that I can see your beautiful creations. Last, I appreciate constructive criticism, so if you notice something that doesn’t look right, or does not make sense, bring it to my attention. I am happy to clarify any steps where you may have questions.
Enjoy!
P.S. Obviously, the elastic length can be adjusted to your facial measurements.
EDIT (March 24 2020): Because this tutorial has recently been used on a large scale, I will be adding a few things here as frequently asked and answered questions, suggestions, and reminders.
- This tutorial was happily shared by me over a year ago. This is not a new tutorial created in light of the current virus pandemic. I am not in charge, nor affiliated with any organization or entity requesting masks to be made. There are multiple organizations that are using this tutorial for their requests. If you have any question regarding what their requirements are, you really, really, really need to ask them. Please understand that I cannot and will not tell you what you should use, or how you should make your mask different from my tutorial.
- Keep in mind also that there are multiple entities that are using this tutorial for their requests. One entity may have completely different requests regarding features than another entity. (for example one organization is requesting a 4 layer mask, while another is fine with the two layer, as their thoughts are that they can be doubled up or used as a cover or liner to another kind of mask.) So, there is no correct or incorrect mask. Who are you making your mask for? Those are the people to whom you direct your questions.
- CHILD OR BABY MASK: After much thought, I have decided that it is in my best interest to NOT supply a mask tutorial for anyone other than an adult. One of my reasons for this is that I feel that a mask could pose as a choking hazard, and I do not want to have any part of that scenario. My suggestion is that you really should ask each individual child’s doctor or provider what their guidelines are, and go from there.
- I will not be held responsible for any mask misuse or malfunction.
- ELASTIC OR TIES? The main reason why my tutorial uses elastic is so I don’t have to tie it behind my head and mess up my hair. That’s it. So, if you are making the tutorial, and you don’t like the elastic, or if the person who you are making your mask for, requests ties; by all means put ties in yours. My pattern is very easily adapted to your preferences. There are organizations specifically asking for elastic, and some that are asking for ties only.
- ELASTIC LENGTH: I have read that a few of you recommend longer elastic; however, mine ended up being slightly loose. Therefore, I will not alter my pattern. I have stated in the tutorial that elastic length will need to vary due to the fact that human heads are not uniform (Thank goodness).
- I don’t have a PDF or printable version of my tutorial. If I decide to do that, I will; but it will be in my own time. I have received many hateful comments (that I deleted) demanding that I provide this. I need to remind those few sour apples that I am under zero obligation to do so. If my absolutely free visual tutorial isn’t to your liking, I invite you to go find one that makes you happy. If you are a person who often finds themselves using the words ”I need you to…”, you might fall into this category.
- I am completely honored that many of you are using my tutorial, or even certain aspects of it to help people in need. Even if you are using a completely different tutorial or pattern and just stopped by to check this one out, I applaud you for being a maker during this time. I cannot express enough how happy it makes me feel to see so many humans getting together to do something for the greater good. Please continue being that human. Those are the best ones.
I am signing off now to take care of my family, who needs me now more than ever. Thank you all for your kindness and understanding. God Bless.
Button Counter 
Hi there! I have made several masks the last few days, going to try yours tomorrow. Love the picture you posted with your instructions. I am so disappointed in the way people post negative comments, I agree, if you don’t like it- move on OR better yet you come up with your own pattern. Reminds me of posted recipes, they try it and then comment on all the changes they made 🤓 so generous of you to provide us with this great pattern. Thank you!
Thank you so much, this is easy to follow and makes a great mask. Thanks for taking the time to post and share with us 🙂
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thank you so much for your generosity in providing the pattern information. I have sent my sister a message to check your site for the patterns.
Again, your generosity of time and information is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for the great instructions. So, tonight I am going to sleep after the 1st read through, and then print the instructions in the am. So, hope my sewing machine cooperates, as I have not used mines years. Anyway, after severe pollen events here this Spring in Central, FL, I too am looking for relief. I also think some local sewers used this pattern for some hospital workers, as I noticed the same pattern, and tried to trace it. They just used extend trim materials; as tie ons. L. 04.10.20.
THANKS FOR SHARING
Thanks for your efforts to encourage others to use their abilities to help others by making masks. Your efforts are appreciated!
Thanks for your efforts to encourage others to use their abilities to help others by making masks. Your efforts are appreciated!
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Thank you!
I’m a novice at sewing. I think your pics and verbage was easy to follow. I have a question about adding a filter for these. Could you just only sew one side of elastic bands and leave a opening for this?
I leave an opening in the middle of the long edge to insert a filter when I make my masks.
there are tutorials on you tube that show an opening in the original seam to insert a filter, or just use lightweight or medium weight pelon as a filter and sew it in, or, if fusable, fuse it to half of the outer fabric.
Hello – Thank you for these instructions. However, I don’t have elastic. Are fabric ties okay?
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Just finished my second mask with ties instead of elastic. Used 18 ” double fold bias tape, 4 pieces. Happy with results but hope for faster and improved appearance by number 10!
Hello, I made this and I did not have elastic either. It worked fine with fabric ties! It turned out great.
What kind of cotton is best to use? Premium? Quilters?
The CDC recommends “Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets.” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html?fbclid=IwAR2fL4XojRzPQYZMR2xE0sFhDrK7ca4iYpbiUmlvULq7hHckxJIVXXfPWCU
Thank you
Thank you for the pattern. However, it’s really large for all of us, even my husband.
Thanks so much for the tutorial, basically I sew and could of done this myself but why not see how someone else has done it right? So, for those sour pusses who are berating you for not having it in PDF form, all they need to do is right click on the page, click print, then save it as a PDF file, ,morons, sorry, but there is NO EXCUSE for giving you a hassle for that reason, it’s ridiculous to say the least. I never knew I could do this either, however, I would never of thought to ridicule the nice person posting the free pattern. OH BOY, people can be so weird and rude sometimes, Thanks again!
Thank you for supporting the woman that posted the instructions! How rude to point out negativity on her for anything. Whoever did that wasted time NOT making a face mask. I found several patterns I like, and have used a couple, this one looks good and easy to customize.
For those of us that know how to sew, it’s a good start to get the creative juices flowing for modifications that the sewer or wearer can utilize better for more comfort. For those that don’t sew well, make a few stabs at it or find out where they are being made and buy a few.
I devised a strip of cloth with 4 buttons on it that goes across the back of the head with the buttons out. The ones with the holes all the way through the button work best. I found that the ones with a pass through the back of the button was more difficult to sew on quickly and didn’t hold the elastic as well. I suppose there could be a strip from the top and bottom of the mask with button holes in them that would go over the buttons on the back. I’m going to try that today. The elastic on each side can loop over the buttons for the best fit without irritating the skin behind the ears for those that are wearing masks all day for their jobs.
A friend made two pieced of elastic or a soft cord that she looped through a small plastic bead and tied the ends with knots to prevent it slipping back through the bead. Then the wearer can slide the cord or elastic through the bead and adjust for themselves. I tried the back strip of cloth with her idea of being able to adjust the bead and looped the beaded elastic over whatever button works and it’s more comfortable than tying and catching hair or having things slip up or down on the face.
Thank you to everyone that provided hints, tips, and especially for the healthcare workers who are working hard all day to help others and putting themselves at risk at the same time.
And, there will always be complainers.
Those who see everything with negativity, will never see anything with positivity! How sad for them!
Your tutorial was fabulous. Thank you for your updated comments to your original posting. You are right on target with what you said and why. Your statement was succinct, unapologetic yet very kind. Good for you! May blessings fall on you and your family.
Thank you so much for your time and energy to put this together. I’ve made a ton of these for my friends that work at our local hospital. They said these are the sturdiest and have lasted the longest. Great work!!
Yes if you make the fabric longer you can roll the ends and sew them so that you string a cord or ribbon or paracord or boas tape for ties. This way it is adjustable as well.
Thank you, I think I just might be able to do this one. This will be my first time sewing so wish me luck! If it works out I will also be making some to hand out at our plant, since we are essential workers working at the power plant there are quite a few that have to go in..
Thank you essential worker!
Susan, thank you for being an essential employee. I/we greatly appreciate that more than you know, and more than most realize. I hope that you were able to use this tutorial. Thank you so much for your visit, and I apologize for the delayed response.
Thank you for your free tutorial. I shall be making up a few for my family. I have been following your site for a few years now and have used many patterns.
Happy Easter to you and your family. Hope you stay safe and well.
Hello: have just completely through your tutorial and it looks terrific! I’m just heading to bed now but first thing in the morning I’m going to make one of these. If it works well I’ll make one for my husband and then friends too. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this video in such great detail!
Judy HUTMACHER,
Surrey, BC Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you for taking the time to share your pattern. I appreciate it.
This is perfect! What a wonderful unique touch on the side, so simple yet stylish. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your very well done tutorials, they are easy to understand and very explicit in there directions, measurements are provided which makes it easy to make ones own pattern, I apologize for the nasty comments you may have received people can be so thoughtless and cruel, especially in times of stress but know you are appreciated for your kind efforts to help us all stay safe in these terrifying times….I have not made your mask design yet I plan to add a pipe cleaner inside that top seam because I wear glasses and I find my glasses steam up I’m hoping like the masks sold at pharmacy they have a metal strip that you pinch against your nose providing a better seal hoping this will solve my steam issues🤣
Again thank you so much for your kind efforts in helping all of us stay safe. Time to enjoy your family…many thanks from Canada….Deb
Thank you for the tip of using a pipe cleaner. I was thinking it would be nice to shape the bridge for a tighter fit but was not sure what to use.
Thank you so much for putting this together. Stay safe and well!
You are BEAUTIFUL!! And thank you!!
Happy Easter, God bless,
Ma Griz
Hi! I wanted to say thank you for the tutorial! It’s really well done and clear. I also lol’d at your comment about using the walking foot instead of the 1/4″ foot, since I am definitely going to push my way through with the 1/4″ foot. Great tutorial, thank you!! (And I’m sorry that some people suck and are giving you hateful comments)
How many inches should my sides measure after the pleats are put in?
Your instruction are great! Had to get a little creative with the elastic(out of stock-covid-19)
Yikes, yes. Elastic has really been disappearing.
Hi I want to say a huge thank you and sending you a virtual hug for this really good and easy tutorial for this face mask. I have made three this morning for my family..and will make a few more. Take care during these trying times..stay healthy. It is April 11th 2020 so I wish you and your family a happy easter. Kind regards Margaret.
Thank you for your post. And how kind of you to take the time to update it for us. Some friends and I will be having a Face Mask Making Zoom party this evening and we will be using your method. Good health to you!
I am wanting to make these for the healthcare facility where I work. Is it possible to put a thin sort of quilt batting between the layers for added filtering?
Thank you for this straight forward mask tutorial with the best, most clear instructions I’ve seen.
I am making masks for the hospital where both of my daughters work. The instructions we got were really not clear which led to a lot of guessing. I’m more of a crafter then a sewer so my first attempt was kinda a train wreck. Your tutorial makes much more sense to me.
Thank you again and be safe. Gratefully yours-
My family has been making these for a couple of weeks now. We started using the elastic for the ears, however I found my Hearing aids did not like the elastic. It ppulled my aids right out of my ears. So, after the first few failures, we have changed to the bias ties. Worked much better.
I’m a home health social worker and have been using masks that I purchased; however, they were uncomfortable and made my face itch. I made four of these in an afternoon from two fabric quarters I had on hand. Thank you for an easy to follow guide. Love the mask. I used one layer of a “designer lite” interface for added protection.
Thank you very much for such detailed instructions and photos!! Whoot, Whoot!! I have never been given more than a hour of sewing instructions and then it was to make pajama bottoms, sooo this was a breeze! I truly studied your photos and information with each photo! Very helpful, especially once I sat down and did each step. I applaud you for your great efforts for people like me. I’m making them for the novel Coronavirus!
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such a detailed description and fabulous pictures! It helps so much to see each step. I love the accent strips you added. I am going to make these tomorrow for my family and am so grateful to you for creating this!
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Thank you for taking the time to make this freely available. I’m a technical writer (but in the software industry) so I know just how long it takes to collate and create information and present in a way that makes it simple and easy to follow. Producing it the first place is not so simple nor so quick. Thank you so much! 🤗
Thank you very much! The directions are laid out wonderfully. This will come in handy.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. It is very helpful. God bless and stay safe.
Has anyone tried adjusting the size to be a little bigger? My husband stated the ones I made were a little small for him (maybe it’s just me sewing). I’m making them for my husband and his fire crew. I’ve tried making it bigger but it didn’t work out. I’m still a fairly new seamstress.
Thank you for your tutorial. I am hesitant about using a mask, but will probably do so as this pandemic continues, so will use your pattern to make them.
Thank you for the detailed instructions. Your time and knowledge is valued! You have helped us help so many in need.
Thank you for making the pleats step so clear
I just want to say “Thank you!” for your clear, simple directions for a person who is not great at sewing. I’m making these masks for my husband’s crew since we cannot order any regular disposable masks. You are appreciated in our household!
Thank you for your time and effort to share this pattern.
My wife likes your tutorial. I printed a PDF of your tutorial if you want a copy so you don’t have to make one yourself.
I wear a hearing aid and would not recommend elastic over the ears – I already have glasses and hearing aid on the top of my ears and the elastic could dislodge the hearing aid. Besides ties which would work better, elastic can be cut to fit around the neck and over the top of the head (avoiding the ears). Great tutorial – thanks.
Thank you for this excellent mask-making tutorial. The pictures, instructions, and design are the best I have come across. Kudos to you for sharing this.
Thank you for your tutorial, easy and visual for me. Again thank you!! Be safe!
Brilliant, thank you.
Great tutorial! You explained it perfectly! Thank you so much!